A review of industry 4.0 technologies used in the production of energy in China, Germany, and South Africa

Industry 4.0 technologies are reconfiguring energy value chains and changing how we understand efficiency in energy production. Using Scopus, this review identifies research gaps in Industry 4.0 technologies in the energy sectors of Germany, China and South Africa, by technology type, effect and impact. Globally, research on the energy sector is skewed toward the Internet of things, Artificial Intelligence, and Big, Real-Time Data. Publications on Machine-Human-Integration and Robotics are limited. China outnumbers Germany in research publications and, South Africa produces the least, leading to the assumption is that such technologies are missing in energy production in South Africa. The literature presents clear content foci: i. using Industry 4.0 technologies to reduce energy intensity through better process-related materials, thereby shrinking the carbon footprint; ii. growing efficiencies through smart energy systems; iii. rethinking energy policy to incentivise research in Industry 4.0 technologies, and iv. managing network securities in within energy systems. Firm-specific, empirical research on South Africa, although valuable, is scarce regarding if, where and how Industry 4.0 technologies affect energy production, increased plant productivity and revenue. The review encourages implementing firm-based, empirical studies, using actual data on Industry 4.0 technologies in energy production in South Africa. Such studies provide improved understanding of a South African energy sector facing a Fourth Industrial Revolution and in crisis, identifying how Industry 4.0 technologies may be leveraged to increase energy productivity and efficiency. Such studies will contribute to evidence-based policy on expanding Industry 4.0 technologies to create an efficient and sustainable South African energy sector.